Tuesday, June 9, 2020

2020 Olympics postponed till 2021 due to coronavirus

Brendan O’Boyle
Staff Writer

COVID-19 has called for a rescheduling of just about every social gathering imaginable. With most professional sports canceled, people around the globe wondered what would happen with the Olympics. As of now, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games will be postponed until July 23 of 2021 and the Paralympic games will start on August 24 of 2021. While the Olympics have been canceled before due to World War I, this will be the first time in history that the Olympic Games will be postponed to another year.
  The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, said that he feels good about the change: “The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world.”
  It was decided by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and the leaders of the committee in charge of the Olympics, that the games would be a sort of “light at the end of the tunnel” for the world. They are hoping that the event will give everyone something to look forward to in these trying times and believe that canceling the event would have just caused more negative feelings. Andrew Parsons also said that he feels the games will be an even more joyous event when they do come around because of all the hardship the world has endured.
  “When the Paralympic Games do take place in Tokyo next year, they will be an extra-special display of humanity uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport,” Parsons said.
  The athletes planning on competing in the Olympic games took to social media to react to the news. Two-time Olympic diving medalist Tom Daley mentioned how he would be feeling the effects of being another year older when competing in 2021, but he feels that this is the right thing to do. Many athletes said the same thing while posting on Instagram and Twitter, but also offered words of encouragement, feeling that this is just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things.

NHL, MLB, NBA: COVID-19 crisis provides a dramatic and traumatic end to pro sports

Connor Fitzgerald and Michael Borys
Staff Writers
   
As each day in quarantine goes by, every national sports organization is suffering more and more from money loss as games are not being played. Currently, every spring sport has been postponed until further notice. Fall sports like the NFL have not been determined if their season will be played. Even though this sounds crazy to many, the reality of the pandemic not being cured by the fall is very realistic. Following the horrible news of sports seasons being cancelled, national sports organizations did not accept defeat from the virus by any means.
  So far, the MLB, NBA, and MMA have been pushing to continue their seasons in a modified manner in order to ensure the safety of all players, fighters, and staff of every organization. Some of these modifications include moving to a quarantined area that will just be open to these teams. No fans will be allowed at these events if they are permitted to take place.
  The MLB suggested a plan to fly each team and their staff to Arizona. Arizona is the home of a dozen baseball fields for spring training. These players would be under a restricted quarantine and must follow certain precautions to keep everyone there safe and healthy. Many players are unhappy with this because it would entail them not seeing their family or friends for months. The National Basketball Association has made it clear that no changes will be made to their season unless they gain access to the instant coronavirus tests. They are still in testing and will notify users within 15 minutes after they prick their blood if they are infected with the virus. The MMA is planning to host fights on a private island and it has been stated that the infrastructure for these fights are being built as we went to press.   

NBA on hold due to COVID-19

Will Kelley and Justin Horak
Staff Writers

As New Hope-Solebury closed down in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, NBA commissioner Adam Silver suspended the 2019-2020 season due to the coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus outbreak has affected millions of people all over the world, and is spreading rapidly across the United States each and every day, claiming some 1,000 to 3,000 lives per day.
  Two All-Star players from the Utah Jazz, Ruby Gobert and Donavan Mitchell have tested positive for COVID-19. After the NBA found out that Gobert tested positive, they suspended the season four minutes later. Jazz guard Emanuel Mudiay also tested positive for the virus. Five teams have been quarantined already, and it looks like all 32 teams will be soon.
  On April 6, Commissioner Adam Silver said that he has told people in the NBA that there will be no way for the league to make a decision about when it can return until May at the earliest and probably not even then. Silver said repeatedly throughout the interview that part of his hesitancy to make any sort of prediction about when, or if, the NBA would return is how much things have changed since Silver initially brought the league to a halt on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the Jazz were supposed to play in Oklahoma City against the Thunder.
  At the time the league shut down, it initially said it would be a 30-day hiatus. NBA players will receive their full checks when the next payday for most of them arrives on April 15, even though no games will have been played for more than a month at that point. The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been in talks for weeks about the status of salaries during the NBA’s shutdown. But it will unquestionably be far longer than that if it is able to return at all.
  Many NBA teams are united in hopes of encouraging the league office to push the date of the June 25 draft until no sooner than Aug. 1, sources told ESPN. For now, the NBA remains on commissioner Adam Silver’s timeline of May as the earliest that decisions on the remaining league calendar will start to be made, sources said.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

COVID-19 Stops Sports Section in Local Newspapers

Ryan Viehweger
Copy Editor

I opened the local paper on Monday, March 16, 2020 to find no pages dedicated to sports whatsoever.  The paper usually has pages for opinions, general news, arts and entertainment, features, and to some people the most important aspect, the sports section.  The newspaper concept is well over a 150-year-old tradition informing the public about what is going on outside their individual households.  For several generations, this form of communication has progressed uninterrupted and without major issues.
  That was until the end of last week to the beginning of this week.  A sudden phenomenon took hold of public life, a virus called COVID-19.  The recent deadly strain originated in China and has made its way west, invading Europe, and hitting the Americas fiercely.  As the virus spread, government officials realized the absolute necessity to take charge of the situation by limiting large crowds through canceling public gatherings.  Suddenly, the virus really hit home and began impacting the everyday lives of Americans.
  Not only are places like restaurants and churches being shut down temporarily, but many large sporting events—even whole leagues—are being canceled for fears that people sitting close to each other in the stands may act as breeding grounds for the virus.  The highly anticipated March Madness season began the streak of mass cancelations, followed by soccer’s the Premier League, and the recently revamped XFL.  Additionally, some towns in America rely on a few events around the year to bring in revenue and tourism.  For instance, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, an annual IndyCar race on Florida’s coast, was canceled, which was expected to bring in $50 million (WTSP) to the greater Tampa Bay area.
  The cancellations have extended onto college sports as well, and at the current time, there are virtually no major league sporting events happening that the public follows.  Thus, the papers have not been able to fill their sports section pages, since there are no sports to report about!  The frightening pandemic of coronavirus has taken what 63% (Gallup polls) Americans believe is their favorite part of life, sports, away from them.  Sports bring communities together and are a necessity to satisfy the natural competitive nature of humans.  To get back our favorite pastime, listen to government suggestions to limit the spread so that everyday American lives can be restored.

NHS Boys Lacrosse season cut short because of COVID-19

Parker Cane and Lear Asplundh
Staff Writers

New Hope-Solebury High School Boys Lacrosse was off to a great start with a new coach in their 2020 season. The boys started their season on March 1. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the team went to SMG to practice inside when it was rainy outside and to learn new and different plays. On March 12, players and students got the devastating news that school will be closed until March 29 due to COVID-19. Meaning, no after school sports or activities.
  The players were having such a great time getting back on the field and having a catch with each other, it was sad to see the program hit the pause button.
  The players are still doing drills inside their house and outside such as throwing against a wall and working out. Hopefully, this will soon all end and everyone can get back to school and play their favorite sports.
  Corona Virus has plagued the entire world. Within the United States, thousands of schools have shut down as a result, tarnishing all spring sports with it. For seniors, this is a huge blow whether it was to show your skills to college scouts or just playing for the joy the sport brings. Some high schools have even shut down for the rest of the year. This virus has resulted in some seniors losing memories people never forget such as senior prom and graduation. This virus has been a brutal blow to Americans and people across the world. We have to join together and fight against it.
  As we went to press, students were still out of school and supposed to get back to school on April 30.

COVID-19 cuts XFL season short leaving fans to wait for next season

Kel MacDowell & Roberto Escamilla

The brand new XFL kicked off on Saturday, Feb. 8, between the Seattle Dragons and the DC Defenders.  The Defenders won 31-19, in a well fought XFL opener. The XFL is a brand new, fan-first league that’s reimagining the game of football, and offering fans an opportunity to experience more access, action, and amusement. People ask, “Why are they launching the XFL?” The league’s answer was, “For the love of football. It’s as simple as that. For the Love of Football is why our coaches coach, players play, and why we invite new fans and the tried-and-true to be part of it all. If you’ve been a football fan all your life, you’ll love the XFL. If you’ve never been to a professional football game, you’ll love the XFL (our ticket prices are affordable and family-friendly!). What brings us all together is the love of America’s most popular sport and the desire to share more of it together” (XFL For the love of football page).
  The XFL’s website features links that redirect you to their brand new shop that allows you to purchase merchandise of your favorite team.  The league is quite competitive. Even the Buffalo Bills’ front office began observing the league in hopes of finding free agency opportunities. As the NFL season came to an end, the XFL took center stage for football fans. Although the XFL’s viewership dipped, the number of fans is growing and could make it an outstanding league.
  Unfortunately, the XFL suspended its season on March 15. A Seattle Dragons player tested positive for due to COVID-19. The league is closely monitoring the Dragons and all who have come into contact with them.

NHS Lions 2020 baseball roster looks very strong

Adam Aquaro
Staff Writer
After a great 2019, season there have been a lot of changes to the Lions’ roster. Seven starters graduated last year and left the team with plenty of open spots that players from every class could fill. First base and shortstop are the only positions with returning starters. The first baseman, Cole Davis, is returning for his senior year and is looking to make a splash this year with continued devotion and leadership. Cam Mertz is the returning senior shortstop who is a four year varsity player. Mertz is looking to bat above .500 and get at least 1st team BAL. But, from pitcher all the way outfield, there have been changes.
The ace on the mound this year will be Deven Smith. Smith is a returning senior that pitched in the district game that sent the lions to the championship. Deven is a great leader and a fantastic competitor who will give his best on the mound. Other pitchers will be Junior Liam Griffith, sophomore Josh Shiller, junior Michael Janora(Mike J) and junior Jason Kloss. AJ Oakes will also make a run for a spot in the rotation, and will be looking to get time in the outfield this season. Liam and Josh both play first and are a presence at the plate. Mike J can play second base if not needed on the mound or just needed at second.  Jason Kloss is a utility player and can pretty much play anywhere on the field. That includes at the plate as well after hitting 2 round trippers last year. Tom Vierdias is a senior looking to make his mark on the mound this year after joining the squad last season. The starting catcher this year will be sophomore Kyle Campbell.  Kyle Campbell is easily one of the hardest working players on the team, andhas even worked on his left-side hitting during the off-season. Emerging as one of the best players on the team, Campbell, will be a threat this year and years to come after that. Other catchers will be juniors Joe Meixler and Jason Kloss.  Meixler is a first year player who has really improved over the off-season. As a very well rounded player, Jason Kloss can play anywhere on the field, and will also come in handy as the backup catcher. will most likely be the backup catcher if we need him but will play somewhere else on the field as an everyday player.
Moving onto infield, at second base will be junior Adam Aquaro. This will be his first year as a varsity starter and is looking to make a difference on the team this year. He and Mertz are appearing to be the best middle infielders in the BAL. At third, and completing the infield, will be senior Justin Horak. Horak is a hard working player and a great teammate. He is loved by all the coaches and all the players and truly brings the team together. Matt Jermyn has impressed this winter and is also working on his strength getting in the weight room and bettering himself. Matt Spadavecchia is an up and coming first baseman. Otherwise known as Spads, Spods, and even Spodes, Matty is a teammate everyone loves.
The outfield is still undecided and positions will be fought for in March. Every player has a shot, let’s get to know them. Ben Koeppen is a first year player.  It is his senior year and made the great decision to join the team. Ben is scary fast and is looking to take the center field position. Ben is a great teammate and everyone is happy to have him on the team. Junior Ian Mendola is looking to take the right field spot. Ian has been working hard on his swing and his strength in the weight room. The team is dominated by sophomores in numbers and some of them are looking to play in the outfield.  Mason Scall can play anywhere in the outfield and is looking to help the team in any way he can. Mason has a presence at the plate and has a lion’s agility.  Justin Lehman can play many positions on the field but is looking to play outfield for varsity this year. The utility player Jason Kloss will also make a run for a starting outfield spot. His bat will help him on the way. AJ Oakes, as mentioned earlier, is another player looking to earn a spot. It is safe to say that March will be an intense month in the outfield.
There are four freshmen this year: Nate Wiseman, Saul Carmenini, Johnny Wilson, and Matt Rickert. Wiseman is a middle infielder who shows great promise for the future. He has great work ethic and a game that all players in the team can see as special. Carmenini is an infielder who also shows great promise. Saul will also look to pitch this year for JV and better his game for his future years on the team. Johnny Wilson is looking to help his team in any way he can this year and the years following. Wilson has promise and looks to be a player with great potential by starting with getting a new glove). Rickert is an infielder with great work ethic. Matt works all the way throughout the two hour practices in the gym and is looking to get 1% better everyday. The freshmen are the future of the team and will keep the team in good hands.
The returning coaches will be Tony Vlahovic, Len Lehman and Coach Miz. Coach Chiodo helped out in the winter and improved each individual player’s game. He was a dedicated and fun coach to have around. Coach Vlahovic is looking to add to his already fantastic resume, and after making the district finals last year, he is looking to go even further this year. Coach Lehman saw his oldest son graduate last year as one of the best players on the Lions last year. This year he’ll look to boost the JV squad’s performance and develop the young players in the system. Coach Miz is the third base coach and is the primary BP pitcher for the team. The team loves Coach Miz and are happy to have him in the organization. Jake Saxton is the manager and keeps the book during the season. Jake is informed and passionate about the game and loves keeping score and tracking stats of the players. The players have fun with Jake and wouldn’t pick anyone else to be their manager. This season will be fun and see the team dominate.